BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott explore salvation through the lens of submission, revealing that true freedom comes not from self-rule but from willingly aligning ourselves under God’s design. They unpack how salvation leads us into a life of surrendered trust — choosing the Spirit’s authority over the impulses of our habitual inclinations. Submission is not passivity; it’s the doorway into Spirit-empowered living, where obedience produces maturity, purpose, and the fruit of God’s life within us.
— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Living by the Spirit
The episode opens by reframing salvation as a call to surrender — choosing the Spirit’s leadership over self-direction so that our lives reflect God’s design rather than our impulses.
(17:03) The Tension of Flesh and Spirit
The focus turns to Paul’s contrast between flesh and Spirit, showing that the battle is ultimately about submission: whichever authority we yield to shapes our character, choices, and destiny.
(34:46) The Purpose of Freedom
This section highlights that freedom isn’t autonomy — it’s empowerment to submit to God’s design for human love, service, and holiness. True freedom expresses itself through Spirit-led obedience that benefits others.
(1:04:20) Activation Steps
This episode closes with an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit to expose areas of resistance, surrender those places to His leadership, and step into the peace and power that come from daily submission.
— EPISODE LINKS —
• Study Booklets
• A Tale of Three Kings, by Gene Edwards
— EPISODE NOTES —
SALVATION IS ALL ABOUT SUBMISSION
Galatians 5.16 (full context is 4.28-5.26); Romans 12.1-2
Our salvation is a two-fold submission: we are saved from the penalty of sin when we submit to Jesus, and we are saved from the power of sin when we submit to the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, this two-fold submission requires the death of our habitually inclined flesh. This death comes through developing new, Spirit-led habits. The more we submit to the Holy Spirit, the freer we become.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
When do you find it most difficult to seek the Holy Spirit’s opinion or empowerment on a matter within a circumstance or relationship?
THE BYPRODUCT OF SUBMISSION: THE DEATH OF OUR FLESH
Luke 14.25-35
Submission to the Holy Spirit demands that we trust Him above our relationships, experiences, circumstances, or knowledge. We trust Him for our safety, security, comfort, and provision. Submission to the Holy Spirit produces a joy not dependent upon circumstance, a motivating purpose to live, and a satisfying fulfillment with life. However, it requires our “death” — picking up our cross for the benefit of others. This “cross” is not circumstantial (our job, our health, our finances, or an unfortunate event); it will always and only be relational. Like Jesus’ cross was for our benefit, picking up our cross will be for the benefit of others. It will be the death of ourselves — the denial of our rights, desires, beliefs, and expectations for the benefit of someone else.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
When is it difficult for you to sacrifice your schedule, freedoms, abilities, desires, finances, dreams, or comfort for the benefit of someone else’s freedom and victory?
ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:
STEP #1 – SUBMIT TO JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT (Galatians 5.16)
Salvation isn’t just a past decision; it’s a daily choice to submit to (trust) Jesus’ forgiveness and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. Submission leads to freedom from sin’s penalty and power.
Ask the Holy Spirit: In the last week, when did I live under shame or rely on my own strength instead of submitting to You?
STEP #2 – DENY THE FLESH BY TAKING UP YOUR CROSS (Luke 14.27)
Submission always involves “death” — not by circumstantial burdens, but through the denial of rights, desires, or expectations for the benefit of others. This is where real transformation and freedom happen.
Ask the Holy Spirit: What right, desire, or expectation of mine did I not lay down this week for the benefit of someone else?
STEP #3 – LIVE IN SPIRIT-LED JOY AND PURPOSE (Romans 12.2)
Submission isn’t loss — it leads to joy, purpose, and fulfillment, not dependent on circumstances. Freedom in Jesus is experienced when we trust the Spirit above all else and live for the benefit of others.
Ask the Holy Spirit: With my previous answers in mind, what would trusting You look like this week?
